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Mary Moore
Portulacaceae
Portulaca grandiflora
Moss Rose
Fine, succulent leaves and vibrantly colored flowers make this tough little annual a favorite bedding plant for hot, full sun. Moss rose is a low-growing, spreading plant that originates from South America. When temperatures warm up, it bears glowing pink flowers that just stay open in the morning. Lots of cultivated varieties have been developed that stay open all day, come in a wider array of colors and often have double or semi-double petals.
The bright green leaves of moss rose are fleshy, needle-like and supported by green, red or magenta stems. In the heat of the summer it produces many five-petaled flowers, each petal being thin with the appearance of crepe paper. Wild plants have magenta pink or white flowers, but cultivated forms can come in shades of red, salmon, pale pink or orange. They are naturally morning bloomers that close their petals by afternoon. Insects pollinate the flowers and capsules filled with lots of small, shiny black seeds follow.
Moss rose grows well in hot sun but should be provided afternoon sun in areas that are arid and scorching in summer. Average, perfectly drained soil is needed for good growth and flowering. Moss rose is drought tolerant once established but still performs best with regular food and water. It makes a colorful addition to border edges, hanging baskets, rock gardens or containers.
12 - 1
A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Annual
Full Sun
3"-6" / 7.6cm - 15.2cm
10"-15" / 25.4cm - 38.1cm
Indeterminate
South America
Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Very Fast
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Prostrate/Trailing
Summer, Fall
Showy
White, Red, Orange, Pink, Magenta, Salmon
Green
No
Single
Yes
Fine
Matte
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
Butterflies
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